City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 20-2750965
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2020
Time: 4:35 p.m.
Location: 12118 Walnut Park Crossing
Deceased: Donato Christian Ward, Black male, 12/29/1999
On Thursday, October 1, 2020, at approximately 4:35 p.m., Austin 911 received a call of multiple shots fired in the parking lot of the Limestone Canyon Apartments located at 12118 Walnut Park Crossing. Upon arrival, officers discovered a silver vehicle that had crashed into a garage. Donato Christian Ward was found outside of the vehicle and his cousin was near the garage, both with gunshot wounds. Austin-Travis County EMS arrived and transported the men to Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas. Donato Ward was pronounced deceased this morning, October 2, 2020, at 7:21. His cousin remains in stable condition.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who reported a sedan-style vehicle speeding away from the scene after the shooting. Investigators are continuing to follow up.
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.
A $1000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
Detectives are asking anyone with information to call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS (8477), email them at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov, use the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-TIPS (8477) or use the Crime Stoppers App. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.